Job Discussion Forums

[dreaming_saturn]

Hi,
I'm looking into moving to Toronto this fall, after being away from Canada for about 7 years. I hope some of you can tell me the possibility of actually finding a teaching position in Toronto, or in the area.

I've been teaching in the Netherlands and China for the past 6 years, mostly business English, I have a Bachelor of Education and English (specialization TESOL) from a University in England, an RSA/CELTA Certificate and I am a qualified secondary school EFL teacher in the Netherlands. So, quite a bit of experience. However, British and European certification. What are my chances of finding work? I am from Ontario, but would also consider moving to another province if I am more likely to find work.

Thanks to all who can help.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Contact OCT (Ontario College of Teachers). They issue teaching certificates in Ontario. You may need to write some tests or do a course or two in order to get qualifications for Ontario.

http://www.oct.ca/en/default_e.asp

There's a menu for internationally trained teachers.

Unless your English also included at least three courses in English Literature, it may not count as a "teachable". ESL is considered an add-on. Because of this you may find that you will be looking at primary certification instead of seconday, because primary/junior does not require a teachable. junior/intermediate requires one (English in your case, assuming you have the literature courses).

Also, the Toronto Star just reported that the upcoming teacher shortage problem in Ontario has been fixed, so the possibility of finding work is not gong to be as great as the prior reports led people to believe.

[dreaming_saturn]

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Gnome]

A couple of points to keep in mind:

1: It's ESL not EFL. Some HR people in Ontario will actually think you want to teach French if you use EFL. ESL is taught in a country where English is the native language. EFL is taught in a non-English speaking country, as a "foreign" language.

2: Once you get your teacher's certification for Ontario, you can teach as a substitute teacher. This will give you a terrific insight into the system, since you will be following other teachers' lesson plans. It's a great training experience. In the evenings, you can take Ministry of Education upgrading courses in ESL, Senior English, etc., which will make you more employable. Unfortunately, everything hinges on your getting that Ontario certification, which may not be easy. You may have to make up some courses.

3: If you can prove you are practising Catholic, you can more easily find a job with the separate boards, than you will with the public boards. The separate boards are always looking for new recruits, especially French teachers, although some around Toronto now want teachers who can teach "ethnic" languages, as well. Can you speak any other languages?

4: Teaching ESL within a schoolboard is usually something teachers with many years of seniority get. It is considered a choice job and one you won't be able to get until you have paid your dues.

5: Many schoolboards now have an "teacher intern" program. These young, cheap and willing teachers will be your competition. This is how they filled the need for new teachers, with so many retiring.

6: Why would you want to live in the Toronto area anyway? Have you heard about the smog and the extreme temperatures this summer? If I were starting out, I would go to Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton or Calgary. The competition is the same, but the air is much better. For a really inexpensive cost of living, especially in real estate, go to Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg or Halifax.

7: According to the news this week, Montreal is finally recognizing the need to teach English and to use it in business. The government has discovered that business in Quebec has been suffering because of Bill 101 and the fanatical elimination of bilingualism. Could be a need for ESL there.

[dreaming_saturn]

Thank you for the wealth of information, gnome, it has been very helpful.